What fascinates me about woodpeckers is how they use their tails to support themselves. Those tail feathers are very strong and stiff to help hold their weight against a tree trunk while they pound hard with their heavy beaks. According to the American Bird Conservancy, woodpeckers’ tails act as a third leg along with their feet (two toes forward, two toes backward), sort of a tripod support that helps with shock absorption and braces them when they hammer trees with their beaks. This is a Hairy Woodpecker, using its tail to brace against the Ponderosa Pine on Moose’s ranch last week.
Another great shot. Thanks for pointing out how they use their tail feathers for support. I didn’t know that; learned something. It’s always good when you’re as old as I am and learn something new. Do you always use the same telephoto lens for these shots, and what is it?